ExploreVan UK

ExploreVan UK

Do you love VanLife - dreaming of the open road and exploring new places?

Whether you’re already exploring in your own van, thinking of converting one, looking for tips and exciting places to visit or just want to come along with us for the ride, you’ve found the right channel!

We want to share our experiences, good and bad, with you!

We converted our first van 7 years ago are now on our second and have been travelling in the UK and Europe, whenever we get the chance.

We love our VanLife and we’ll share our top tips, reviews and travel vlogs, to keep you entertained and informed, so you can learn from our successes and our mistakes.

Make sure you don’t miss our regular videos, go on, hit the subscribe button and switch on notifications now!

And we look forward to sharing our VanLife with you in our next video!

Пікірлер

  • @andrewjones-productions
    @andrewjones-productions2 сағат бұрын

    Such a shame that they don't offer a 100-110v variant.

  • @ifell3
    @ifell32 сағат бұрын

    Thats not bad considering your maxx air fan isnt to far off of that.

  • @ScottishVanTrips
    @ScottishVanTrips2 сағат бұрын

    That was awesome ❤

  • @ExploreVanUK
    @ExploreVanUK2 сағат бұрын

    Glad it’s useful!

  • @jamieh2239
    @jamieh22392 сағат бұрын

    excellent video as always! the thermal covers for the skylight is just what we were looking for. Also good for winter I am sure? We're thinking about Niteair for our maxair fans - would be interesting to see your thoughts on those products. If you need them of course!

  • @ExploreVanUK
    @ExploreVanUK2 сағат бұрын

    Thanks, glad it’s helpful. Yeah good point in winter they would add extra insulation from the cold too. I’ve not heard of the NiteAir but will take a look at it.

  • @jamieh2239
    @jamieh22392 сағат бұрын

    @@ExploreVanUK one other question - we have a sprinter conversion with nice glass sliding windows. So I can't see how the to get the aircon to work :( Looks great though and the price is reasonable.

  • @ExploreVanUK
    @ExploreVanUK2 сағат бұрын

    @jamieh2239 hi, I have seen examples of it used with sliding windows with a bit of DIY. You can see an example on their site here. www.coolmycamper.com/blog/cmc%20on%20a%20sliding%20window/

  • @derekt7606
    @derekt76064 сағат бұрын

    More sales.

  • @ExploreVanUK
    @ExploreVanUK4 сағат бұрын

    Not sure the point you’re trying to make? The video is marked as “Paid Promotion” as KZread T&Cs and UK Law require to reflect that cool my camper gave me the bag to test, we’ve not received any payment for making the video. We purchased the Eurom AC2401 ourselves. Whilst we do sometimes make commission from sales that’s not the case with Cool My Camper. 
 It’s very important to us that we stay independent and any reviews we do are a true reflection of our experience of the product. The supplier have no editorial control over the content of the video.
 Where companies are happy to provide products on these terms, I’m happy to review, I always disclose in the video the circumstances so that it is clear to viewers. Were we not to accept such offers, we would not be able to review as many products. If you’re not happy with that approach then we may not be the channel for you.

  • @jamesellis8787
    @jamesellis87878 сағат бұрын

    I have an Elite subscription to this app which unlocked all fratures. However i do have one gripe with it...There is no option in the list of map styles to have 3D Satellite view for me to see my planned route? I notice in your review you have the 3D Satellite option but mine just has normal Satellite view on my Elite subscription. Is there something i need to enable? Thanks

  • @ExploreVanUK
    @ExploreVanUK8 сағат бұрын

    Hi James - Satellite 3D is a map style available to Footpath Elite users exclusively on Apple devices. Are you using Android by any chance?

  • @jamesellis8787
    @jamesellis87878 сағат бұрын

    @@ExploreVanUK thanks for the supper quick response. Yes Android, that's a shame . Hopefully it comes to Android users otherwise I'm back to OS maps for the 3D fly through mode. Gutted.

  • @stevedawson3863
    @stevedawson386323 сағат бұрын

    I STILL FLY MY MINI. THE BATTERYS LAST FOREVER!!

  • @harryvendryes
    @harryvendryesКүн бұрын

    Question: Is the power lead designed for regular (daily) plugging/unplugging similar to a laptop? I'm used to the 'usual' type of power connector and always thought the 4 pin variety were for more static uses, with unplugs every now and again. I'd be using this device (or maybe one of their simpler models) for mobile LTE travelling with laptop... in and out of a backpack.

  • @ExploreVanUK
    @ExploreVanUKКүн бұрын

    Hi it’s Molex Micro Fit 4 plug socket for the power, which has a positive lock to stop it falling out with vibration. Their specs say they are designed for use where cycled frequently and to withstand high mating cycles. I wouldn’t say it was prone to damage from repeated plugging in and unplugging. In fact I would say it is more robust than the micro USB that lots of portable units use. However if you wanted to make it easier to connect / disconnect and didn’t need the positive locking you could use one of these adapters and leave the Molex permanently connected. www.broadbandbuyer.com/products/47042-teltonika-pr2pd01b/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwhIS0BhBqEiwADAUhc9VB9dzSYtmyne0h9bVG2bkmJWPmRCYFzE7wbVwCOfgt8rgoMS993RoCZqAQAvD_BwE

  • @harryvendryes
    @harryvendryesКүн бұрын

    @@ExploreVanUK Wow! Fastest and best answer to a question on KZread... ever! That's perfect for my use. Appreciated 👍

  • @ExploreVanUK
    @ExploreVanUKКүн бұрын

    No problem! Glad it’s helpful! Wishing you happy travels!

  • @Theoverthinker81
    @Theoverthinker81Күн бұрын

    I bought cheap so went through 3 solar controllers and 4 inverters. There's just no way I'd do the same again.

  • @ExploreVanUK
    @ExploreVanUKКүн бұрын

    Yeah, for solar controllers that are running all the time (and the benefit of MPPT over PWM) I did too. And were we using the inverter continuously or when we weren’t in the Van I probably would have gone for a more expensive brand. But for how we use it, just when cooking, our £95 (currently £68) Amazon 2000 watt. Is still working great 2 years on. amzn.to/3zx2KiG

  • @chaudharyhamza4570
    @chaudharyhamza4570Күн бұрын

    Have u try usb wingle 4g or does it work with all sim? I try to find any info on it but cant find

  • @kennybo-iy2ed
    @kennybo-iy2ed2 күн бұрын

    i just swapped the brake cables over for front and back brakes, job done.

  • @KD-cm8im
    @KD-cm8im2 күн бұрын

    Everything is weatherproof when its inside a vehicle. If tjis thing is designed to be outside they will need to upgrade the case..with an umbrella.

  • @fraz3385
    @fraz33852 күн бұрын

    The water will boil much quicker with a lid on it. Important on battery power!

  • @maryfreeman9231
    @maryfreeman92312 күн бұрын

    Useful video but I need help with deciding which category our van is in, it's a citroen dispatch , not a camper. I can speak French and it still makes no sense to me. Can't find a V9 figure on the log book. Any ideas? Cheers !!

  • @ExploreVanUK
    @ExploreVanUK2 күн бұрын

    If you don't have a figure on your V5 then I believe it will be done on the age of the vehicle

  • @jt-bn4me
    @jt-bn4me5 күн бұрын

    Hi, Wonder if any clever folks could help - I am pretty sure that when using a data sim in the router it uses more data than my phone used as a hot spot. Is this possible? I have the same devices connected and data lasts longer in my phone... I plan to run a trial of using hot spot via phone and router to be more specific.

  • @ExploreVanUK
    @ExploreVanUK5 күн бұрын

    Are you connecting your phone to the router by WiFi when you are using the Sim in the router. If so this could be the cause. Phones will generally not complete some data heavy tasks when connected to a mobile network like backing up certain apps, upload photos, downloading new firmware / app updates. But when the phone is connected to the router by WiFi it assumes it’s a “home” WiFi connection and will do the those data heavy tasks. With some phones you can set the WiFi connection to “Low Data” mode to reduce this.

  • @ExploreVanUK
    @ExploreVanUK5 күн бұрын

    Another reason could be down to the bandwidth available. Streaming Apps like KZread, Netflix, iPlayer etc on TVs / phones / tablets / laptops dynamically change their quality based on the bandwidth available. So if the available bandwidth via your router is high they will stream in higher quality than if the bandwidth of the connection on your phone is lower. Some apps you can switch the quality from automatic and set it yourself which is a good idea to limit usage, there may be no need to stream in 4K even if the connection will allow it.

  • @jt-bn4me
    @jt-bn4me5 күн бұрын

    Great thank you will check this out.

  • @johnsouthwales1078
    @johnsouthwales10786 күн бұрын

    I dont care what a sticker says. If it is a restricted 750w, it is not legal....the only legal bike is an actual 250w motor

  • @ExploreVanUK
    @ExploreVanUK2 күн бұрын

    The Engine X is a 250w motor so it meets your criteria . It’s also worth noting the UK Legislation states: “must have a maximum power output of 250 watts” It doesn’t say it has to be a 250w motor. www.gov.uk/electric-bike-rules

  • @lubasisitwala5072
    @lubasisitwala50726 күн бұрын

    Great video. The Huawei B535 has a number of models, does the extended (JavaScript) menu work on the B535-333, B535-235 or is it just for the B535-232 the model you are testing?

  • @ExploreVanUK
    @ExploreVanUK2 күн бұрын

    I’m afraid I’ve only tested it on the 535-232

  • @lubasisitwala5072
    @lubasisitwala5072Күн бұрын

    @@ExploreVanUK thanks

  • @alanwelford9815
    @alanwelford98156 күн бұрын

    3 mobile phone on unlimited data, tether my tv laptop and my wifes phone £16 a month , what more do you need.

  • @ExploreVanUK
    @ExploreVanUK6 күн бұрын

    Works for many, so glad it’s enough for you. With a family of 4 and the areas we like to stay it wouldn’t work for us.

  • @mattt1974UK
    @mattt1974UK7 күн бұрын

    Nice review. If I eventually buy an electric bike it will probably be one of these. Only 30 seconds difference with no power assist. 💪🏼

  • @raybrown5739
    @raybrown57398 күн бұрын

    New to your channel like most of your vlogs, don’t like bikes watching people eat or drink, love low wattage appliances, solar gens all makes and models great stuff 👍

  • @ExploreVanUK
    @ExploreVanUK7 күн бұрын

    Thanks glad it's helpful. We do try to have some varied topics, so to prepare you, we do have a couple of e-bike videos coming up! But they are mixed in with others on running AirCon from a portable power pack, a new WiFi solution and improving Solar Panel efficiency so hopefully we can keep you interested. Happy travels!

  • @kroozer5215
    @kroozer52158 күн бұрын

    Hi Mike, i have just sent you an email, any feedback would be greatly appreciated - Martin

  • @ExploreVanUK
    @ExploreVanUK7 күн бұрын

    No worries, just replied. Hopefully sorts out your issue.

  • @joemorris5288
    @joemorris52888 күн бұрын

    Hi, thanks to you help put on thicker cables to to the inverter and working OK now, thanks.

  • @ExploreVanUK
    @ExploreVanUK7 күн бұрын

    Great stuff - glad it's sorted!

  • @CHRISOTTMERS
    @CHRISOTTMERS8 күн бұрын

    Good info

  • @MrJpegi
    @MrJpegi9 күн бұрын

    In T-Mobile GPS is a very important feature in a router as they often sell internet locked to a location of your home

  • @ExploreVanUK
    @ExploreVanUK8 күн бұрын

    This is not something I’ve heard of as we don’t have T-Mobile any longer here in the UK. Other than the Teltonika range of routers and obviously phones I’m not aware of many routers that have GPS built in.

  • @MrJpegi
    @MrJpegi8 күн бұрын

    @@ExploreVanUK I live in Poland and they give us antennas in T-Mobile with built-in GPS. Its an antenna with a WAN connection. Now T-Mobile will enforce this geolocation on other countries. At least a youtuber Nater Tater said that in his latest vid. And yeah I've been browsing the web for few last days and there's no better solution than Waveform 4x4 + RUTX50 for T-Mobile wireless. The antenna T-Mobile gives is crappy, it can get to 110Mbit/s but there's no specification and it looses signal during the day even on strong POE (I've tried many). Antenna is produced by Wistron Neweb, but when you browse their site it looks like some chinese startup. Only on forums I've found the max gain of that T-Mobile antenna could be 10dBi, no mention about gains for exact frequencies so I would say its mediocre, most antenna producers write that their max gain is high. And it's not MIMO4x4 for sure. Can't wait until I get my ultimate set.

  • @MrJpegi
    @MrJpegi8 күн бұрын

    @@ExploreVanUK I've tried using Nokia WAN antenna but it didn't have the GPS and speed dropped to 0.1Mbit/s

  • @miro_aziz
    @miro_aziz10 күн бұрын

    When does the discount code ends? because i am planning to get one at the end of the month

  • @ExploreVanUK
    @ExploreVanUK10 күн бұрын

    Hi, I don't have an end date for it from Engwe, sometimes Partners limit it by the number purchased rather than dates, but hopefully it will still be active when you need it!

  • @miro_aziz
    @miro_aziz10 күн бұрын

    @@ExploreVanUK brilliant, thank u! One more question, do you think it would be good to do about 4 to 5 hours delivery shit a day on it?

  • @nathanjames1514
    @nathanjames151410 күн бұрын

    Hi there, My partner lives in Australia. Will this work from there to access UK tv please?

  • @ExploreVanUK
    @ExploreVanUK2 күн бұрын

    I don’t see why not.

  • @nunofrednunes
    @nunofrednunes10 күн бұрын

    Great and helpful video! Thank you for the research work. I'm not a motorhome owner yet but your videos seem to be my go-to source for all these equipment needs.

  • @ExploreVanUK
    @ExploreVanUK10 күн бұрын

    Thank you! Really glad they are helpful!

  • @1CBRFireblade1000rr
    @1CBRFireblade1000rr11 күн бұрын

    The signal strength on these is absolute garbage! On my old router I got 3 bars and this router gets only 1 with a much slower internet speed.

  • @robtheplod
    @robtheplod11 күн бұрын

    The RUTC50 is out July 2024 - the RUTX50 unit but with WiFi 6!

  • @ExploreVanUK
    @ExploreVanUK7 күн бұрын

    Yep it is - but from my perspective, if running primarily on Celullar, that is pretty much always going to have a lower performance than WiFi6 - so I can't see it bringing a significant improvement to most people.

  • @robtheplod
    @robtheplod11 күн бұрын

    The RUTC50 is out July 2024 - this unit but with WiFi 6!

  • @ExploreVanUK
    @ExploreVanUK7 күн бұрын

    Yep it is - but from my perspective, if running primarily on Celullar, that is pretty much always going to have a lower performance than WiFi6 - so I can't see it bringing a significant improvement to most people.

  • @retnodenok
    @retnodenok13 күн бұрын

    Hi I have questions. i have engwe too, and I am wondering where can I connect the cable from ?

  • @ExploreVanUK
    @ExploreVanUK13 күн бұрын

    With the optional USB power cable, it depends on the Display your Engwe has, some have a USB socket under a flap at the front of the display. For those that don’t it would need a USB power bank.

  • @tonyholmes9024
    @tonyholmes90248 күн бұрын

    ​@@ExploreVanUK I just got it for my ebike. Seems like my battery is draining a lot faster now though. I have it connected to the USB port under the display. Is it possible that the display is draining my battery quicker?

  • @joemorris5288
    @joemorris528813 күн бұрын

    Hi, thanks for the quick reply, I think you may be on the right track with the size of the cables. It worked OK with a light, another thought is it seems to be constantly charging.

  • @joemorris5288
    @joemorris528813 күн бұрын

    Hi, thanks for getting back to me. it's a Mercury 1000w soft start, tried it on a 600w hoover and various other appliances

  • @ExploreVanUK
    @ExploreVanUK13 күн бұрын

    Ok there are only really 2 reasons an inverter should trip off. 1. the current you are taking exceeds the limit of the inverter. Most electrical items (like hoovers) have a surge at start up so even though the continuous rating is 600w it could surge as high as maybe 1200w on start up. Most inverters give a peak and surge rating but I can’t see a peak rating for the Mercury 1000w on the Amazon listing so it may be you are exceeding it. 2. The voltage provided to the inverter is too low. This could happen if either batteries are not charged fully or are old or not able to cope with the current demand. It’s also possible the cable to the inverter is under sized and causing the voltage to drop so tripping the inverter. I would start by plugging in something very low wattage such as a light or desk fan and see if it works. If not it could be a faulty inverter. I’d then get a multimeter on the input terminals of the inverter and see what the voltage reads with nothing connected and then as you add the small load and then again when you add something bigger. If the voltage drops below 12 volts it’s probably the voltage triggering the cut off so check your batteries and cabling. If you are not sure how to use a multimeter then. Check out this video. How to use a multimeter - Voltage, Polarity, Resistance and Current kzread.info/dash/bejne/hn6jrLawlMnJcsY.html If you’ve not got one then check out this one. kzread.info/dash/bejne/lZ5s1o-nZ7bSe7A.htmlsi=A2fHcYZ2gL6GjA0i Or this one. kzread.info/dash/bejne/d3uXltOdfMmtito.htmlsi=bTejSazXZyjgHt0G

  • @joemorris5288
    @joemorris528813 күн бұрын

    Hi, my set up is 2x 115amp, 550 lead acid batteries connected to a 1000 w inverter but when I plug anything into the inverter it trip and cuts out. have onjus bought the van with this system so can't give you any more info.

  • @ExploreVanUK
    @ExploreVanUK13 күн бұрын

    Hi, what are you plugging into the inverter? Do you know the make of the inverter?

  • @derekt7606
    @derekt760613 күн бұрын

    Oh dear. Make me some £££

  • @ExploreVanUK
    @ExploreVanUK4 сағат бұрын

    Not sure the point you’re trying to make? The video is marked as “Paid Promotion” as KZread T&Cs and UK Law require to reflect that Allpowers gave us the kit to test, we’ve not received any payment for making the video. . We do make a small commission from sales as we make clear in the video description with the product link the price buyers pay stays the same. 
 It’s very important to us that we stay independent and any reviews we do are a true reflection of our experience of the product. The supplier has no editorial control over the content of the video.
 Where companies are happy to provide products on these terms, I’m happy to review, I always disclose in the video the circumstances so that it is clear to viewers. Were we not to accept such offers, we would not be able to review as many products. If you’re not happy with that approach then we may not be the channel for you.

  • @SECourses
    @SECourses14 күн бұрын

    Are there any updated scripts for this? This is one of the best i found so far but i saw some even more advanced ones which doesnt work

  • @ExploreVanUK
    @ExploreVanUK13 күн бұрын

    Hi, not that I know of.

  • @SECourses
    @SECourses13 күн бұрын

    @@ExploreVanUK thanks

  • @vossertje100
    @vossertje10014 күн бұрын

    Hi 😃! Do you need the pro version off auto scanner? Because in the free edition I don’t see these sensors. My car is BMW 1 series 118D 2008. (E87)

  • @ExploreVanUK
    @ExploreVanUK13 күн бұрын

    Hi, you shouldn’t. As far as I am aware there is no difference in the App I just upgraded to Pro as I felt the developer deserved it. You don’t say where you are from, are you sure your car has a DPF. I believe Euro 5 only became mandatory in UK in 2009. Also is it possible the DPF has been removed and mapped out? It also may be that BMW have buried the info in their native PIDs rather than using the standard OBD2 ones. Though given this guy has done it on a later model I would be surprised if that were the case. kzread.info/dash/bejne/pH940cmAodvKobg.htmlsi=kYYyVtYhVUfR9Oau Asking on a BMW forum may get you more specific answers.

  • @vossertje100
    @vossertje1007 күн бұрын

    @@ExploreVanUK Hi 😃, thank you for your response. With kind regards, Tim

  • @franklinbruce7121
    @franklinbruce712114 күн бұрын

    ❤️ the content …… The realness can be felt …… Helpful in future inverter decisions ……

  • @carlboz1
    @carlboz114 күн бұрын

    great video, what is you discount code?

  • @ExploreVanUK
    @ExploreVanUK2 күн бұрын

    The Discount code for Solwise.co.uk is EXPLOREVAN but they don’t stock the GLinet.

  • @joemorris5288
    @joemorris528815 күн бұрын

    excellent video, I replaced my 20 amp controller with a 30 amp, will that be OK?

  • @ExploreVanUK
    @ExploreVanUK15 күн бұрын

    Yeah no problem. Means you can add more panels later if you want.

  • @richardharris314
    @richardharris31416 күн бұрын

    Great video guys 🎉

  • @kylsters
    @kylsters16 күн бұрын

    so are roof tents allowed for overnight parking? seing as they dont increase the footprint?

  • @ExploreVanUK
    @ExploreVanUK16 күн бұрын

    I don’t know to be honest but questionable I would have said. Quite a few roof tents do stick out wider / longer than the vehicle when open and presumably you have to have the ladder down while you are in it to get out. So I would think you could end up with a ticket.

  • @karlosthehawk3730
    @karlosthehawk373017 күн бұрын

    In the British weather how is it for riding in the rain (waterproof)just incase you get unexpected downpour

  • @ExploreVanUK
    @ExploreVanUK17 күн бұрын

    We’ve not had any problem with it and it’s been in a number of unavoidable downpours / drizzly rides. We do give it a good wipe over to dry it and never put it away wet.

  • @karlosthehawk3730
    @karlosthehawk373017 күн бұрын

    Ok only asked because am thinking of getting the new version of this bike but I seen somewhere that it only has a IP2 waterproof rating and wasn't sure if that's enough for wet weather we have

  • @ExploreVanUK
    @ExploreVanUK17 күн бұрын

    @karlosthehawk3730 I think it’s just Engwe being cautious to be honest.

  • @ExploreVanUK
    @ExploreVanUK17 күн бұрын

    If you do decide to go for any of the Engwe range let me know and I’ll see if I can sort you out a discount code.

  • @karlosthehawk3730
    @karlosthehawk373017 күн бұрын

    Looking at the one from alpha scootz it's £949 and get a 4% discount which brings the price down to £912

  • @travellingwithkris6271
    @travellingwithkris627117 күн бұрын

    Welke tripod gebruik je daar bij de voorstelling van de Hoover drone, om je camera op te plaatsen . Ik ben nog op zoek voor een goede tripod voor mijn dji pocket 3 . Groeten kris uit Belgie ( KZread travelling with kris)

  • @ExploreVanUK
    @ExploreVanUK17 күн бұрын

    amzn.to/4em1rTS

  • @sumpoosieguy
    @sumpoosieguy18 күн бұрын

    MAPP gas torch did best for me on Sprinter bumper fast and easy with swirl torch tip

  • @Bessie66
    @Bessie6619 күн бұрын

    Having our first caravan delivered tomorrow, it’s 2nd hand, we’ve never towed and nearly 60 yrs old. So off to IKEA Friday for bits and bobs while hubby takes a towing course 😂

  • @areka6562
    @areka656219 күн бұрын

    Link to script do not work.

  • @ExploreVanUK
    @ExploreVanUK19 күн бұрын

    Hi - it's working for me - are you using this link? explorevan.uk/huawei - let me know what you see.

  • @areka6562
    @areka656219 күн бұрын

    @@ExploreVanUK This one works indeed, Thank you!

  • @Kermanix
    @Kermanix19 күн бұрын

    excellent info, thank you!

  • @dgibson5252
    @dgibson525219 күн бұрын

    Chocks are allowed but the tyre must be in contact with the ground i.e. no levelling ramps are allowed.

  • @germurphy4986
    @germurphy498620 күн бұрын

    Are the batteries same fitting as Makita?

  • @ExploreVanUK
    @ExploreVanUK20 күн бұрын

    I don’t know for sure as I don’t have anything to check them against. But I believe they are and in the FAQs it says they are.